On April 18, 1996, a Schweizer 269C (registration N430CK) was involved in an aviation accident near Silver, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor RPM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter lost lift and settled into brush during a coyote flushing operation after wind conditions changed, coming to rest on its right side.
Incident Overview
A helicopter was engaged in a coyote flushing operation, hovering above thick brush to drive out coyotes. The wind was from the west at approximately 12 to 15 knots.
Sequence of Events
During the hover, the wind suddenly calmed. The pilot reported a corresponding loss of lift, with rotor RPM dropping below the normal green range. Attempting to increase throttle did not raise RPM. The pilot noted that the helicopter was too close to the brush canopy to safely lower the collective, a necessary action to increase rotor RPM. Consequently, the helicopter settled into the brush and came to rest on its right side. No further details were provided regarding the outcome of the coyote flushing attempt.